Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

 

Rebuilding a USA Jersey for Independence Day Weekend

Two years ago when Bill and I joined our friends for an Independence Day ride, I was bummed that I didn’t have a red, white, and blue cycling kit to wear. I had quite the collection of shorts, skirts, tanks, and visors in varying stars and strips from years of running the Firecracker 5K, but nothing for cycling. 

This year, my husband and I decided to do a repeat ride on July 4th and I was determined that we would dress appropriately. I found several men’s jerseys that we liked, but no women’s. I ended up ordering matching USA men’s jerseys (affiliate link) and redesigned the men’s small to fit my non-men’s build.

I started by removing the elasticized grip at the bottom and hemming it with the finished bottom from one of Bill’s old white running shirts (it worked perfectly and I felt like a genius). Without elastic, I had an extra inch or so of width in the bottom of the jersey to fit over my hips. Next, I took it in on the sides about two inches on each side so it would be more form fitting at my waist. I was bummed that I couldn’t find a women’s USA jersey that I liked, but happy that I have the skills to alter a men’s to fit my body.

We got shouts from several cyclists and runners letting us know that they liked our jerseys!

 

Overview of the Week

Before discussing each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll beyond the infographic for daily details…

 

Sunday

Cycling: 26 miles
• Average speed: 11.7 MPH
• Bike: Cannondale Topstone
• Surface: gravel
• Elevation gain: 1,772 feet
• Start time: 9:17 AM
• Location: Goose Creek Stone Bridge
• Weather: 76° and sunny, climbing to 84°
• What I wore: bike shorts, s/s jersey

After riding 160 miles the previous 5 days, I had every intention of taking the day off from cardio, but when Instagram friends invited us to join them for a gravel ride, I couldn’t resit joining and making new friends. Yes, this VeloPig became a GravelRat for the day and I  suspect I’ll be back for more group rides!

There’s obviously still a learning curve with our new Insta 360 camera (affiliate link) because part of my husband’s face was automatically edited out with the shadow of the selfie stick. LOL

 

Monday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

 

Tuesday

Cycling: 42 miles
• Average speed: 14.6 MPH
• Bike: Specialized Roubaix Comp
• Surface: paved
• Elevation gain: 1,427 feet
• Start time: 8:04 AM
• Location: W&OD Trail Sterling to Hamilton Loop with some side roads
• Weather: 64° and sunny, climbing to 75°
• What I wore: bike shorts, s/s jersey

After failing to take any pictures of the three LOVE signs along the W&OD Trail during last week’s Summer Solstice Century, I made sure Chuck and I stopped for a picture of this one in Leesburg. Even though it’s right next to the trail, it is camouflaged by the bushes and Chuck said he’d never noticed it before.

 

Wednesday

Strength training: 1 hour of full body

Walking: 5K
• Average pace: 13:21
• Start time: 11:57 AM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 81° and sunny
• What I wore: shorts and s/s shirt

After work, Bill and I dropped my gravel bike off at Plum Grove Recyclery to have them look at the rear disc brake which has been screeching when I brake hard ever since I bought the bike last summer. Next we dropped off my road bike at Trek for two new tires which left me bikeless for a couple of days.

While at Trek, we ordered two new beach cruisers which should arrive in a couple of weeks and in plenty of time for our next trip to the beach! I told Bill that I’m worried about losing street cred as a serious cyclist if my neighbors see me riding around on a beach cruiser. LOL

 

Thursday

Walking: 5K
• Average pace: 15:12
• Start time: 8:02 AM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 68° and sunny, climbing to 73°
• What I wore: shorts and s/s shirt

I had every intention of running until I woke up with the slightest awareness in my lower back so I switched gears and walked. Instead of being bummed, I called my brother and chatted while I walked. With no races on the horizon, I’m not going to make the mistake of running before my body is ready.

 

Friday

Strength training: 1 hour of full body

Balance and stretching: 45 minutes

 

Saturday

Cycling: 43 miles
• Average speed: 12.7 MPH
• Bike: Cannondale Topstone
• Surface: gravel
• Elevation gain: 2,398 feet
• Start time: 7:17 AM
• Location: loop around Lincoln
• Weather: 75° and cloudy, climbing to 86° and sunny
• What I wore: bike shorts, s/s jersey

Bill and I skipped riding with the VeloPigs so we could get back home earlier for a family event; however, we weren’t in too much of a hurry to have a little fun. As we barreled down Dry Mill Road I noticed a sofa randomly sitting in a little nook on the side of the road. About a half mile past it, I knew I’d be disappointed if I didn’t turn around for a picture. It wasn’t exactly a chaise lounge and I wasn’t riding my Salsa, but I couldn’t resist getting a Chase the Chaise photo!

 

Last Week’s Blog Posts

In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…

 

 Questions:
  • • What’s the funniest/goofiest picture you’ve taken during a workout or race?
  • • What was your favorite workout of the week?
  • • Did you run in a race this weekend?

 

And that’s my rundown… Have a great week!

 

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I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!

 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.